“According to military sources in Naypyidaw, significant changes are taking place in the security arrangements of former military dictator Senior General Than Shwe, who resides in Myanmar’s capital city. Current junta leader Senior General Min Aung Hlaing has made substantial changes to the security personnel stationed at Than Shwe’s residence in the Six Mile district. These changes are being interpreted by observers as a reflection of the growing tensions between Than Shwe and Min Aung Hlaing. Following his retirement from power in 2011, Than Shwe had carefully selected trusted officers and soldiers for his personal security detail. While these security personnel had served loyally for many years, Min Aung Hlaing has now initiated a sweeping reorganization, forcing many into retirement, transferring others to different positions, and replacing them with new personnel of his own choosing. Although these changes fall within Min Aung Hlaing’s authority as Commander-in-Chief of the Defense Services, the removal of Than Shwe’s preferred security detail indicates an almost complete breakdown in the relationship between the former mentor and his protégé. The situation has been particularly exacerbated by the arrest and three-year prison sentence of Than Shwe’s son-in-law, Dr. Nay Soe Maung, on charges of defaming the state. This legal action against a member of Than Shwe’s family has further strained the relationship between the two military leaders. Min Aung Hlaing, who graduated from the Defense Services Academy (DSA) as part of Intake 19, became Commander-in-Chief in 2011 through Than Shwe’s selection. At the time, he was chosen over his senior, Lieutenant General Thura Myint Aung (DSA Intake 18), in a move that demonstrated Than Shwe’s trust and confidence in him. However, the relationship between Than Shwe and Min Aung Hlaing has deteriorated significantly in recent years. The recent changes to the security personnel serve as clear evidence of their severely strained relationship, according to political analysts. The overhaul of Than Shwe’s security detail represents a significant shift in the power dynamics within Myanmar’s military establishment. It suggests that Min Aung Hlaing is asserting his authority even over arrangements previously considered untouchable, given Than Shwe’s historical position as the former supreme leader of the military junta. These developments have broader implications for the internal politics of Myanmar’s military leadership, highlighting the complex and often tense relationships between different generations of military leaders. The situation also reflects the ongoing power consolidation efforts by Min Aung Hlaing, who appears to be systematically removing or neutralizing potential sources of influence linked to his predecessor.
